We Look at the New 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car in Great Detail

Since the early 1990s, Porsche has been building race-spec 911s that have been driven to glory by both aspiring and experienced drivers.

The latest addition to the legendary lineup is the first racecar based on the current 992 generation, and it brings the latest technological advancements bundled up into a spectacular turbo-spec wide body. It measures 1,902 mm (75 inches) in width, exceeding the rear width of the earlier model by 28 mm (1.1 inches).

Underneath the beefed-up body, the optimized chassis borrows the 991 RSR’s double-wishbone front layout using Uniball bearings that protect the new adaptive dampers from lateral forces, which should translate into crisper handling.

The impressive racer features enhanced aerodynamics highlighted by the RSR-style ‘swan neck’ eleven-stage adjustable rear wing that provides constant under-wing airflow, dramatically improving aero efficiency.

Compared to the previous generation, which used a predominantly-steel body, the new GT3 Cup employs an aluminum-heavy construction with only 30% of the structure being made from steel.

For the doors, engine hood, and rear wing, engineers used carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, while the front hood that includes an exit-air duct and central air intake is made of aluminum to lower repair costs in case of a crash.

All windows are made from lightweight polycarbonate and have scratch-resistant hard-coat glazing for increased durability. The new racecar also includes a removable escape hatch mounted on the roof to comply with the latest FIA safety regulations.

Inside, Porsche designers improved the cockpit focusing on driver ergonomics. The new racing seat can now be adjusted in two height settings. A wide range of padding thicknesses is available to ensure the perfect seating position for each driver.

The adjustable steering column comes with a fully redesigned, open-top, multifunction steering wheel made from carbon-fiber. Its illuminated buttons have been relocated for easier use, following drivers’ feedback.

The central 10.3-inch monitor has also been redesigned for a more intuitive display of critical data, while the rubber switch panel features a new rotary knob switch that enables easier adjustment of the brake balance.

Power is provided by a naturally aspired 4.0-liter, water-cooled flat-six engine, which develops 510 hp (375 kW). It uses a dry-sump lubrication system to ensure optimal operation through high-speed corners.

It also uses a single throttle butterfly system with two resonance flaps for sharper acceleration and a state-of-the-art Bosch MS 6.6 electronic engine management system.

Three different exhaust systems are offered to conform with all racing series regulations, and each one of them enhances the extraordinary sound of the glorious flat-six.

The engine is connected to a six-speed dog-type sequential gearbox via a single-mass flywheel and a three-plate sintered metal racing clutch. The shift barrel actuator is controlled by a new electric servomotor, which replaces the old pneumatic unit enabling faster gear changes and live diagnoses.

Starting next season, the new Porsche GT3 Cup will take part in various competitions like the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as well as the national Carrera Cups in Germany, France, Asia, and Benelux. It’s also scheduled to debut in North American competitions for the first time.